Thursday, December 24, 2009

REVIEW: Whip It

Whip It
-PG-13-
released October 2, 2009


Directed by Drew Barrymore, this classic tale of small town girl taking a chance on life is vivacious and creative.  
Bliss Cavendar, Ellen Page's (Juno) character is from Bodeen, TX.  Bliss's life is filled with working at the Oink Joint and puffing up her mother's dreams of winning beauty pagents. But she is always dreaming of something more.  Then on a fateful outing to a thrift store, Bliss meets some roller derby girls and a spark is lit.
At 17, not very many of us know where we want to be in 20 years.  All we really worry about is what school we're going to and what we're going to do on the weekend.   So as many teenagers do, Bliss and her friend Pash go the the roller derby tournament, without telling mom and dad.  There Bliss finds her bliss.  Roller derby is just what she needs in her dull life.  Unfortunately telling her parents is out of the question so lies ensue and the repercussions are not fun.  


Why do we all lie about things that make us happy?  Bliss eventually had her happy ending and her family supports her, but if she had not lied, would she have had the outcome she did?  If she would have told her parents upfront, then they wouldn't have let her go.  So in lying about it she hurt her family, but got what she wanted.  It's a hard lesson.  I wish all kids could find something they love and have the full support of parents, but most kids find things that their parents would never support.  Then again, if we don't make our own choices and feel the hard life lessons from them, we would never learn from them.  


This film does have a great moral that many might not see right away.  When you find something you love to do, don't let anything stop you from getting it!!!!  Even with all the pain and heartache, it's still what you love and that makes everything worth it!


I love Ellen Page and I believe she's going to be a great upcoming actress... It would be nice to see her outside of these "charater" roles, to prove that she can stand on her own when it comes to acting.   


Once again check out Wikipedia for more info on this flick.

REVIEW: District 9

District 9 



– R –

Released August 14, 2009

If you do not know what this movie is about, please refer to Wikipedia.  The detail in this description is better then anything I could come up with in a short period of time.


Yes, this movie is rated R, and it is justly so because of the language and gore.  Because of those two facts, many people would truly hate watching this movie.

I loved it!  It was compelling from the start as it was filmed as a documentary.
Set in Johannesburg, South Africa, the film looks back on when the alien ship first arrived on earth in 1982.  Hovering above the city for 3 months without any contact, humans decide to investigate and go up to the ship, but they find an alien race (somewhat looking like what I imagine the Buggers [Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card to look like), who have an insect quality.  Although throughout the entirety of the movie they look less "alien" and more human as we follow the interaction with Wikus (the main antagonist of the aliens, played by Sharlto Copley) who reveals that they are more human then most of the humans they connect with.  
District 9 is the section of land sanctioned for the aliens to live on.  Each of them live in shacks and are forced to live in squalor.  The racism in the film is thick, much like the way the movie was advertised with posters like this.  

As stated before, the film takes on a documentary feel at the beginning where Wikus, Sharlto Copley's character, is in charge of moving all the "non-humans" to a new area called Distict 10, over 20+ years after the arrival of the alien ship.  His job is to retrieve the signatures of the aliens, stating that there will be no resistance.  As the documentary goes on, Wikus is given away as a traitor.
Meanwhile, one of the aliens has been collecting a liquid from their technology for over 20 years.  The collected liquid is contained in a canister the size of two Red Bulls cans long.  So as Wikus searches through all of the homes of the aliens, he finds this canister, disrupts it somehow and becomes infected.  It takes a few hours for him to get the effects, but he begins to change into one of the aliens.  
Now, I have left out a key component of the story.  The aliens weapons are only operational biologically.  Though very powerful, humans cannot use the technology.  So when the government finds out what is happening to Wikus, he is tested and enlisted to be the main experiment.........meaning they are going to dissect him to find out how it works.  Luckily Wikus escapes, only to become a fugitive and find refuge in the part of town he was trying to clean out for his country.  
Wikus ends up helping one of the aliens return to his ship, because Wikus is promised to receive the antidote for his sickness.  But he learns that the alien must first return to his home planet to retrieve the technology and bring reinforcements to transport is kind home.  
So Wikus must wait....... for years to become human again.  

Not only do I love the SciFi element, but the story is very compelling, and yet predictive in parts.  There is a ton of action, yet equal drama to keep you on the edge of your seat.  Beware of the vulgarity and crudeness of language, especially the term "prawn" that is used for the insect aliens.  

The CG element is beautiful.  I love watching movies that look real!  It looked like part of our world history.  I only wish I could meet an alien and see into their soulful eyes.  This element alone shows that the CG element was tastefully done and there should be an award for those who did the animation.  

The moral is obvious, but worthy of bringing up.  Prejudice and racism happens in every country, between many races.  Unless you walk a mile in another's shoes, no matter who they are (alien or not, or even someone of your own family) you have no right to judge them.  
This is one of the main reasons I watch movies.  All of the effects make it entertaining, but the lesson I take from it will live longer than anything else.

I really hope a sequel is made.  There are so many things left unsaid, but sometimes that is the best way to end things.


My thoughts....

It's been a while since I've written and I've been trying to think of anything that I could write about that would keep me writing......... so this is what I've come up with.
Movies.... I love them and want to work on them.  I love sharing my thoughts about them, but in order to be a movie critic, I'd have to watch a butt load of movies I would never care to watch, (like the scary, but unreal ones) and that is unwanted torture that I will never put myself through, so from here on out I will be adding movie reviews to my blog posts.  It might be all I write about for a while!

WARNING: I will write about everything in the movie, so spoilers are guaranteed....

I will also post about movies that I'm excited to see. And I will distinguish each by saying it is a REVIEW in the Title of the blog so you can choose to read it later if you want to watch the movie first.

I know there are not many followers of my blog, but if you are one, thanks for reading!
So here goes.
Enjoy.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Moving......

Yes, I have decided to move.

To Michigan.

I am going to live with my sister and her family in West Bloomfield, MI before I move to Boston. It will be great to see them and get to know the girls better and I will be able to help out with the family. I am transferring to an Olive Garden in Novi, MI, which is about 12 miles away from the house. I've talked to a couple of people at the restaurant and I will be an employee there by October 1st, I hope... that's not official yet.

My official last day at the AF OG (American Fork Olive Garden) is September 16th.... a Wednesday three weeks from today, or yesterday since it's now Thursday.... I always up so late.

You are probably all asking the reason why I am moving... Well, there are a few, actually.
1.) I have put in my notice at my apartment to leave by October 1st and need to move out by then.
2.) Affording a place on my own is not a possibility right now.
3.) I can take some workshops in Ann Arbor, MI in bookbinding while I'm living with my sister's family.
4.) I will be able to get to know my neices a lot better and be able to help out with the family.
5.) Have cheeper rent.
6.) Save money for school.... & pay off some un wanted dept.
7.) It's a lot closer to the place I need to go to next year... which is BOSTON!!!

I do want, and plan to go to Boston to attend NBSS. I feel like I have got into a rut and I need to get out!!!! How long will I work at Olive Garden??? Probably for a few more years, but only to get me into a better job!!!! So this time next year, I will be living in Boston getting ready to go to school!

I will miss Utah and all it's beauty... The Mountains have been a constant love of mine and that's what I will miss the most.... But I will miss all the friends I have made while I've been here the last 10 years! Utah has become a home for me! I might come back after I've been gone for a while.

I'm not saying 'good-bye' because I will see everyone again, someday!!! I still believe in life after death....

All my love, until my next post!

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Dating

What can be said about this subject?

I just recently watched the movie "He's just not that into you." It, and many other recent things have brought this subject to my constant thoughts....

Why is it that when someone is single (and older than 21), (esspecially in the LDS faith)........others feel a need to point out that you are single and that you "better get a move on...," or something to that effect. Then others try to set you up with the "other-older-singles" just because the two in question are of simular age.... These "thoughtful" people do not even care to look at personalities, they just think the ages suffice! ????????? I know that matchmaking happens in the world, my grandparents were part of that and they are now separated... That's why it is so hard for me to understand what goes into peoples heads when they "set people up"!

On another note.... Why is it that some people freak out when they go on a "date"? The word is just terrifying! I, myself, am privy to this phobia. Why does it freak me out so much? Well.... I think it might be because I, along with all those others out there who are also plagued by this phobia, are afraid to get hurt and "dating" is the intial steps to the untimate let down.......... being rejected in finding love! It is the worst kindof pain.............. It also sucks when you are the one rejecting someone from finding that kindof love.... I never want to do that to someone again....I know that last bit was a bit negative, but isn't it true?


In looking at the movie I afore mentioned:

1.Some of us protect ourselves from finding love by putting up walls with our intendeds so that we don't feel that rejection, because we do not want to take the risk and fully put ourselves out there for someone else to see all of who we are and to give your whole self to someone else...

2.Some of us have this perfect ideal in our heads, even though that is not who we are meant to be with, and we keep running after that person until we get knocked on our butts (being totally rejected) because it took the smack to our face to realize that we are running after the wrong thing...... (The person we find should be our equal, standing by our sides, not walking infront or behind, but hand in hand).....

3.Some of us settled because there was not another option. Why not really fight for what you want....Look for it.... Do not settle!!! If you settle in love, then what does that say for your life overall?

4.Some of us cheat... Be faithful to your love....... Enough said....

5.Some of us find a perfect love and realize that everything we are is meant to be with that one person. They will give 100% while you do the same... Often times in this relationship compromises must be found... It will be a constant work in progress. You will not want anyone else and all the struggles will be overpowered by the beauty in the relationship. This is true love... Marriage does not instantly make things perfect. Perfection is a constant process, it must be worked on each moment of each day!!!


Currently I am single. Very single. I have not seriously dated someone since I was 25. (I'm now 29.) What is funny to me is that I'm very content with that. I do, one day, want to be married and find the kindof relationship that is in #5, but I think it will take time because waiting to find a love that's really worth having is "worth the wait"!!! But until that time comes, I will not be stupid and waste my life waiting for that person. I will make the most of my life so that that person will be proud of me and love me even more for what I've done before I've found him.........


I'd love any thoughts on the matter!

Friday, May 22, 2009

Since my last post...

I know it's been a while, but I thought it was time to tell about what's been happening in my life...

Well, to get it out first:
I did not make it into the school in Boston. I am on the waiting list for this year, and they said they would carry my application over to the next year, so I will not have to fill out everything again. It's comforting to know that I will be picked if someone drops out, but it kindof hurt when I was not one of the first chosen to go. I cried for a good hour and then said a prayer and I know that He has my back. What would I do without the Gospel?

This has made me think a bit because it was like an answer to a silent prayer that I've had in my heart. I would not know how to pay for school. This way I can work to say more money to pay for school while I'm there. Isn't that comforting?


I am still working at Olive Garden as a server and loving it. It gets stressful, but I think I need the stress because it helps me out when I'm not I get used to the easy life and that's not always a good thing.

My business is alright. I need to do more advertizing and I think it would go better, but money is tight and it's always not fun.

So I am looking for anther job to help get things on the evenness and to start saving for Boston, cause I'm still planning on going!!!! But who knows what is going to happen in the next year and a half...


Well, I hope this all finds you well and I hope you are all happy and healthy!

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Pay it Forward...

PAY IT FORWARD:

"The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice--for you! This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:
1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make! (I can only hope.)
2. What I create will be just for you.
3. It WILL be done this year.
4. You have no clue what it's going to be... it may be cards, a bookmark, something delicious, or a complete surprise to you (and me!)... who knows?
5. Most importantly you must offer the same deal on your blog - the first 5 people to comment on your blog get something made by YOU!"

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Boston January 2009

I went to Boston to interview at North Bennet Street School on January 19-21. I stayed with the girls in the pic above. Emily, Shanna, Meg & Casey.
I actually met the Bishop of the Singles ward and his wife (in the above picture, middle two persons) at Olive Garden in American Fork back in October of last year. It was so crazy when they told me they were from Boston. I instantly told them I was applying to NBSS and Bishop Maitland told he knew the school and then proceeded to ask me if I was single, as he looked at my hand to see if I had a ring. It creeped me out at first until he instantly told me he was the bishop in the singles ward that students at NBSS go to. I got excited. They both told me that I could stay with them when I came to interview at the school. We switched information and I then emailed him, but it didn't work. After a couple of months I tried again, but it did not work. Then during Christmas I looked up the singles ward on lds.com and found that I had been spelling the Maitland's last name wrong. My stupidity. He, he. I tried the email again and got a reply the next day. I had an appointment with NBSS and told him about it and he sent me the information of some girls in the ward who had an opening in their apartment and I emailed them. I was then able to find those girls to stay with. Bishop and Sister Maitland told me they would pick me up at the airport and take me to the apartment of the girls I was staying with. I also got an email from Shanna telling me that they invited Bishop and Sister Maitland to eat with us when I got there. It was a great meal. They made the best buffet salad bar that I've ever seen. Amazing.
This is a picture of the entrance to NBSS. It's not actually on North Bennet Street School, it's right around the corner. This was after my interview. I stayed to watch the inaguration and then talked to the students in the bookbinding department for 2 1/2 more hours. It was so much fun!
This is a bridge that they built to make a freeway above ground. The construction was absolutely beautiful!!!
Boston Temple. It was a bit of a walk from the bus stop and it was really cold. I had to walk on a freeway off ramp to get to the entrance. It was crazy. I had so much fun there. I wore jean in and had my bag from the interview with a skirt to change into. I was the only sister there and they took me on a tour before the session I was going to. The sister that took me on the tour told me that the temple was themed around the Tree of Life. Everything was so beautiful! I loved this temple. To of the workers I met travel 2 hours, both ways, from Maine, to work in the temple. Isn't that great?
I realized that I had not taken any pictures while I had been running around that I had a lady at the bus stop take a picture of me. The building in the background was cool, but I have no clue what it was. After the temple I went back to Harvard Square and got some postcards to send to my family and roommates. I went to an amazing grill to eat dinner.

I had so much fun and have a good feeling about the interview. It was so cold, but I could not stop smiling. A couple of friends have told me it's cause my face froze like that. I did get lost a few times, but it was still fun!

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Long time!!!

I know it's been a long time since I've posted anything, but I've been an avid Facebooker....
I have done a lot since my last post, but I'll put more details of my excursions around the country in later post. Just to let you know. In a 3 week period of time I have been on the East Coast, right on the Atlantic and then on the West Coast, right on the Pacific.... Curious??? Bet you are! Stay tuned for more info!

Laughing Yet?

Laughing Yet?